BASINGSTOKE MP Andrew Hunter has paid a moving tribute to his devoted wife Jan after she lost her courageous battle against cancer.

The 54-year-old mother-of-two died on Sunday morning in Newbury hospital. Her husband, the MP for Basingstoke for the past 19 years, was at her bedside.

Mr Hunter said it was around three weeks ago that his wife was told her cancer was untreatable. She had undergone four operations in the past three years following her initial diagnosis with breast cancer in 1999.

She decided to return home from hospital to be with her family. However, her condition deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated and she soon needed professional nursing.

Paying tribute to his wife, Mr Hunter, 59, said: "To say that Jan lost her battle against cancer does not convey the full story. The final outcome may have been inevitable but she won the battle against cancer every day for more than three years.

"She showed enormous courage and remarkable determination to the very end. Latterly, in particular, she found comfort in her faith.

"Jan was a wonderful wife and mother. She was also totally dedicated in her support for my work as MP. She loved the constituency. As my secretary, she did so much for so many people.

"We shall miss her grievously but we are comforted by the knowledge that she is now free from pain and suffering."

Mr and Mrs Hunter celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in March this year. In addition to her duties as MP's wife, Mrs Hunter had, until recently, acted as her husband's secretary.

Nearly two weeks ago, Mr Hunter announced that, because of his wife's failing health, he would not stand as MP for Basingstoke at the next election.

He said: "From the very beginning we have operated as a team. Jan has supported me wonderfully and I have relied on her so greatly. Without her active involvement, I cannot contemplate continuing beyond the next general election."

Many tributes have already been paid to Mrs Hunter, including one from Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith.

Mr Duncan Smith told The Basingstoke Extra: "It is with deep regret and sadness that I have learned of Jan's death. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew and his family at this difficult time."

Lord Portsmouth, president of Basingstoke Conservative Association, said: "Jan was a wonderful woman in every sense. I always enjoyed her company.

"She was attractive, highly intelligent, great fun and a real supporter of Andrew and the association.

"Our hearts go out to Andrew and the children. This is a terrible loss."

Association chairman Mark Andreae said: "Jan was a terrific lady in her own right and a perfect MP's wife. She accompanied Andrew to almost every single engagement, did so with great charm and was a tremendous help to him. We will miss her very much."

A funeral and thanksgiving service will be held at St Michael's Church, Basingstoke, next Monday, at 11am. This will be followed by a burial service at St Mary's Church, Silchester.

If you wish to send in a tribute to Jan Hunter, write to the Letters Editor, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basing-stoke, RG21 6YD, or e-mail editor@basingstokegazette.co.uk